Jason’s Inspirational Encounter
I had the pleasure of meeting Erin briefly twice - once after a masterclass and subsequent Q&A, and once again after a recital the following day. She was so down-to-earth yet regal during the masterclass. She taught, spoke, and guided as one singer to another, not teacher vs student. After the event, I went to her with questions about technique, emotion, and the world of opera. She was very friendly and accommodated me and several other students in attendance.
This friendly charisma was with her on stage, but when she opened her mouth, I was blown away. Her voice was rich and full, yet bright and clear. As she sang the first few bars of Strauss' Four Last Songs her voice was clearly heard over the orchestra in the lower part of the soprano register. As the music quickly moved to the upper echelons of the soprano voice, I remember looking up as I heard her gorgeous sound ringing through the hall above me. Her voice had not only a presence in the room, but it danced around in the acoustics of the hall filling it with emotion.
I will never forget that performance nor the authentic positivity radiating from her in conversation. She touched and inspired me on both occasions even though I met her so briefly. I remember thinking, "I want my performance to make others feel as inspired and touched as I do at this moment."
Thank you for your contribution to art and thank you for being such a beautiful human being.
Jason Lawrence - February 26, 2022